Freedom of Speech; a Precious Treasure

February 16, 2015

Most of the time we Americans are oblivious to the amazing opportunities and privileges we have. We are so accustomed to our way of life that it seems ordinary to us. "This is the way life is," we imagine, not realizing how much better we have it than most of the world through most of history. We listen to the news on TV or internet, read the papers, and hear of all the things that are wrong in the world, not even thinking of how the media and our politicians depend on crises for their very existence. What would the likes of Al Sharpton do were they deprived of some tragedy to exploit? How would the news agencies survive apart from some unrest somewhere in the world? We won't even talk about our politicians.

But lurking behind all these stories of injustice, poverty, and exploitation is one big fact that is usually overlooked. We in America have access to information that in many countries is denied their citizens. For all the attacks it has endured from academia, we still have freedom of speech. We are not limited to the propaganda of those in political power. We can hear other perspectives, even if they are skewed and biased, and anyone with an internet connection can say almost anything they want without worry of reprisal.

Tonight, we were reminded of how precious that freedom is. Hearing a speaker from a Communist country tell of the watchful eye of the government that is forever looking over everyone's shoulders, and of the distrust that engenders among the common people, was a needed reminder of this singular freedom we take for granted. We can criticize our government, mock religious leaders, foment bigotry and often even violence, without people so much as batting an eye.

We were encouraged tonight to enjoy the freedoms we have. Our speaker said this without envy or bitterness, but out of his own life experience of being deprived in the country of his birth of that wondrous and rare gift of freedom of speech. We are seeing it eroding before our very eyes, but for now, it is still in our possession. May we guard it carefully by exercising it ourselves, by listening to those who disagree with us, and by giving thanks to God who has blessed this country in such remarkable ways.